Device for retaining a foot or a boot

ABSTRACT

A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, the device having at least one part for contact with the foot or the boot. At least one of the parts of the device is covered with a cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 04.06021, filed Jun. 3, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety and the priority of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. 119.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, such as a device for which the retention is carried out by means of at least one linkage or strap, for example.

More particularly, the invention is related to such retaining devices, or bindings, for snowboarding, snow skiing, waterskiing, snowshoeing, roller-skating, and the like.

2. Description of Background and Relevant Information

A device with linkages according to the prior art generally includes a lateral portion and a medial portion that demarcate therebetween a zone for receiving the foot or the boot, as well as a rear support element, such as a highback, associated with at least one of the lateral or medial portions. Such device further has at least one linkage that extends between the lateral and medial portions, each linkage being used to retain the foot or the boot in the receiving zone.

The parts, which include the lateral and medial portions, the rear support element, and the linkages, form a retaining frame around the foot or the boot.

Each part must satisfy technical specifications, on the one hand, and aesthetic specifications, on the other hand. Indeed, the parts are visible on the device. This is why, in addition to its contribution to the proper functioning of the device, a part must be aesthetically attractive. This is an important condition from the point of view of a purchaser or a user of such devices.

To renew the attractiveness of such devices, it is necessary to modify the appearance of the parts frequently. However, this step requires technical modifications that are generally complex and costly.

For example, for a rear support element made from a molded plastic material, a modification of its shape requires the creation of a different mold. Due to the fact that the manufacture of a mold is expensive, it is seldom renewed, i.e., the shape is seldom changed.

Therefore, for such reasons, an aesthetic modification of a retaining device can be complex and expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to facilitate an aesthetic modification of a retaining device.

To this end, the invention provides a device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, the device having at least one part for contact with the foot or the boot.

At least one of the parts of the device according to the invention is enclosed in a cover.

The cover in particular fulfills aesthetic functions for the device.

Indeed, the cover can have colors, surface finishes, reliefs, or other specific features, which contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the device, or one or more parts of the device, even if the general shape of the cover adapts to that of the part that it covers.

The choice of a given cover consequently determines the aesthetics of the device.

Various covers, having differences mentioned above, can cover the same part or parts having the same shape. Because a cover is relatively easy to manufacture, particularly with sewing techniques, its use facilitates a selection or a modification of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will better understood by means of the following description, with reference to the attached drawings showing, according to a non-limiting embodiment, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a retaining device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of a rear support element and of the cover adapted to cover it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the embodiment of the invention described more fully below relates more particularly to the field of snowboarding, it is to be understood that the invention also encompasses other fields of endeavor as mentioned above.

As seen in FIG. 1, a retaining device 1 enables the temporary retention of a rider's boot (not shown) on a board 2.

In a known fashion, the retaining device 1 has a base 3 that extends longitudinally between a rear end 4 and a front end 5 of the device.

The base 3 has an upper surface 6 adapted to face the boot, and a bottom surface 7 adapted to face the board 2.

A pad 8 covers the base 3 in order to absorb forces, such as steering forces, from the board. The pad 8 is shown in the form of a unitary element that extends from one end 4 to the other end 5 of the base 3. However, the pad 8 can be made of a plurality of distinct pieces.

One can also use the board without a pad, the boot being supported in this case directly on the base 3.

The base 3 can be secured to the board 2 by any means known to one with ordinary skill in the art, such as a disk, which itself can be affixed to the board by screws. These elements, not shown, are located beneath the pad 8.

Alternatively, other means for retaining the base 3, such as direct linking by screws, can be provided.

The base 3 is transversely bordered with a lateral flange 9 and a medial flange 10. Each of the flanges 9, 10 forms a lateral portion or a medial portion, respectively, of the device 1 in order to demarcate a zone 11 for receiving the boot. When the boot is positioned on the device 11 the flanges 9, 10 extend laterally along the sole. It is also possible that something other than the flanges 9, 10 could be provided to form the lateral and medial portions. For example, mere lateral and medial abutments of the base could be used.

In a particular embodiment according to the invention, the base 3 and the flanges 9, 10 form a unitary element made of a synthetic material, for example. However, one can provide that the flanges be elements that are affixed to the base by any means, such as gluing, welding, screwing, nesting, or the like.

In the embodiment shown, the device 1 also has a rear support element 20, commonly referred to as a highback, so that the user can be supported with the lower leg. Depending upon the type of retaining device, the presence of such a rear support element may not be necessary.

The rear support element 20 has an forward facing concave plate 21 that extends longitudinally thereof between a fastening end 22 and a free end 23, transversely between a lateral edge 24 and a medial edge 25, and in thickness between a support surface 26 and a free surface 27. Alternatively, the plate 21 could be planar or substantially planar.

The support surface 26 is provided to receive the rear of the user's lower leg, the rear support element 20 and the base 3 being therefore associated with one another. According to the embodiment illustrated and described, the rear support element 20 is associated with the flanges 9, 10, for example, by means of an articulation. The articulation is oriented substantially along a transverse axis 28 of the device 1. The articulation can have any component, such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, a swivel pin, or the like.

The articulation allows for a movement that brings the rear support element 20 closer to the base 3. A resulting advantage is to facilitate the storage.

The rear support element 20 could also be associated directly with the base 3. One could also provided that the rear support element 20 be directly affixed to the apparatus, i.e., to the board 2 in this case. It only needs to be positioned on the apparatus to enable the lower leg to be supported rearwardly.

According to the embodiment illustrated and described, an abutment 35 limits the rearward rotation of the rear support element 20.

In a non-limiting fashion, the abutment 35 has a cable 36 that runs around the rear support element 20. The path of the cable 36 can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the cable can have a lateral end and a medial end. Each of the ends is affixed to the lateral or medial flange, respectively, by any means known to one with ordinary skill in the art. The use of a crimped end piece is suitable. Between the ends, the cable 36 follows each flange 9, 10 while moving away therefrom, so as to extend around the rear support element 20 in a position that is farther from the flanges. An adjustable block/spacer 37, affixed to the rear support element 20 toward the free surface 27, makes it possible to adjust the angular position of the rear support element in relation to the base 3.

Alternatively, any other structure for obtaining the abutment could be used. For example, a connecting arch could be provided between the flanges 9, 10, on which the block/spacer 37 would be supported. In such a case, it is not necessary to use a cable.

It is also provided to use two linkages in order to removably retain the boot on the base 3, between the flanges 9, 10, in the receiving zone 11.

A first linkage 50, or strap, is located toward the front, in the area of the metatarsophalangeal articulation, when the foot is retained. A second linkage 51, or strap, is located toward the rear, in the area of the instep, when the foot is retained.

Each of the linkages 50, 51 extends transversely between the flanges 9, 10.

Alternatively, according to the invention, a different number of linkages could be provided.

The first linkage 50 has a lateral portion 52 and a medial portion 53, which are attached to the lateral 9 and medial 10 flanges, respectively. A connecting device 54 makes it possible to reversibly connect the lateral 52 and medial 53 portions to one another. The connecting device 54 makes it possible to tighten the boot to the desired level.

The second linkage 51 has a front segment 55 and a rear segment 56. The front segment 55 is located toward the support surface 26 of the rear support element 20, and the rear segment 56 is located toward the free surface 27 of the rear support element. This enables the second linkage to tighten the rear support element 20 at the same time as it retains the foot or the boot. As a result, the rear of the lower leg is always pressed against the support surface 26 of the rear support element 20. A resulting advantage is a direct transmission of the steering forces while the leg is rearwardly supported.

The rear segment 56 of the linkage 51 has a lateral lug 57 and a medial lug 58 connected to one another by an arch 59. Each of the lateral 57 and medial 58 lugs is associated with the lateral 9 and medial 10 flanges, respectively, by means of articulations having a transverse axis, for example. A resulting advantage is to provide the rear segment 56 with a degree of rotational freedom. This facilitates the positioning of the rear segment 56. The arch 59 is more easily pressed on the free surface 27 of the rear support element 20.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the lugs 57, 58 and the arch 59 form a unitary, i.e., one-piece, element made, for example, from a synthetic material. The rear segment 56 can comprise polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, or the like.

The rear segment can also be constructed from a plurality of elements assembled by any means known to one with ordinary skill in the art.

The front segment 55 is associated with the rear segment 56. For example, the front segment 55 has a lateral portion 65 and a medial portion 66. The lateral 65 and medial 66 portions are attached to the lateral 57 and medial 58 lugs, respectively. However, the portions 65, 66 can be attached to the arch 59.

A connecting device 67 makes it possible to reversibly connect the lateral 65 and medial 66 portions to one another. The connecting device 67 makes it possible to tighten the boot to the desired level.

Generally speaking, the first 50 and second 51 linkages are made out of relatively flexible and inextensible materials. For example, they can have synthetic materials, such as polyamide or polyurethane, whether reinforced or non-reinforced with fibers or otherwise.

According to the invention, at least one of the parts, namely, the base 3, the lateral 9 and medial 10 flanges, the rear support element 20, or the first 50 and second 51 linkages, is covered with a cover. The cover provides the part with aesthetic and/or technical properties. Such properties, for example, can be color, decorative patterns, or characteristics such as coefficient of friction, resistance to wear, flexibility, thickness, or the like. The cover customizes the part that it covers.

The cover also facilitates the selection of the constituent material of the rear support element 20, since it is only selected for its technical properties, the decorative aspect being provided by the cover.

The covering of a part is shown in particular in FIG. 3, in the case of the rear support element 20.

The part is detached from the device 1 in order to be covered. In this case, the rear support element 20 is considered to be such a part. A cover 80, adapted to cover it, has the general aspect of a bag. Thus, the cover 80 has an opening 81, so that it can be slipped on the rear support element 20 in the direction of the arrow. The cover 80 extends longitudinally from the opening 81 up to an end 82, transversely from a lateral edge 83 to a medial edge 84, and in thickness between a support surface 85 and a free surface 86.

After being slipped on the rear support element 20, the support surface 85 of the cover is opposite the support surface 26 of the rear support element 20. Thus, the lower leg presses indirectly on the rear support element.

Similarly, the free surface 86 of the cover is opposite the free surface 27 of the rear support element 20.

The end 82 and the lateral 83 and medial 84 edges of the cover 80 extend along the free end 23 and the lateral 24 and medial 25 edges, respectively, of the rear support element 20.

The opening 81 is located in the area of the fastening end 22 of the rear support element.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the opening 81 of the cover 80 is closed. In this case, a permanent closure means, in the form of a stitched seam 90, is used, as seen in FIG. 2. After it has been sewn, the cover 80 substantially envelops the rear support element 20 completely. Therefore, the rear support element 20 forms, together with the cover 80, a component of the device 1 that is easy to modify.

Alternatively, other embodiments of the permanent closure means can be provided, such as gluing, welding, or the like, for example.

A non-permanent closure means can also be provided. For example, snap fasteners, pairs of flexible strips, one having loops and the other having hooks, such as VELCRO®, can be used. Thus, the cover 80 can be separated from the part that it covers, in this case the rear support element 20, in order to be serviced or replaced.

In certain cases, the absence of a closure means toward the bottom is possible. The cover can be retained by the articulation about the axis 28.

The cover 80 can be comprised of materials such as fabric, any synthetic material based on plastic, rubber, or the like, any natural material such as leather, fibers, cork, or the like.

The outer surface of the cover 80 can have any color or arrangement of colors, in order to have an attractive appearance.

The constituent materials of the cover 80 can have good sliding properties, with a coefficient of friction less than 0.2. In this case, it is easier to fit and remove the boot, since the boot slides on the rear support element 20.

Conversely, the materials can have a relatively high coefficient of friction, greater than 0.2. In this case, the retention of the foot or of the boot in the device 1 is better.

According to the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the cover 80 is substantially constant. Thus, it restores the shape of the rear support element 20. Therefore, there is a combination of the contributions of the rear support element 20 and of the cover 80. In particular, the first serves to transmit steering forces that are transmitted through the lower leg. The second, for example, can provide the assembly formed by the support element and the cover with its appearance.

Also, one can provide that the cover 80 have varying thicknesses, or various zones having different technical characteristics. For example, certain zones can be smooth or rougher, thick or thin, relatively hard or more flexible.

In the embodiment illustrated and described, the cover 80 substantially covers the part completely, in this case the rear support element 20. However, a cover that is smaller in size can be provided to cover the part only partially. A perforated cover enabling one to see only portions of the covered part can also be provided.

Generally speaking, it can be provided that each part of the device be covered with a cover. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a lateral cover 91 covers the lateral flange 9, a front cover 92 covers the front linkage 50, and a rear cover 93 covers the rear linkage 51. A medial cover can also be provided to cover the medial flange 10, or a cover for the base 3.

Generally, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques that are known to one with ordinary skill in the art.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment shown and described, and encompasses all equivalent techniques that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, the form or size of a cover can be different from that of the part covered.

Moreover, the device can be structured to retain the boot otherwise than with linkages. For example, the linkages can be replaced by a latching means provided to clamp the boot sole. 

1. A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, said device comprising: at least one part for contact with the foot or the boot; at least one of the parts of said at least one part being covered with a cover.
 2. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: one of the parts covered with a cover is a rear support element.
 3. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the cover has an appearance of a bag.
 4. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: one of the parts is a base, or a lateral flange, or a medial flange, or a front linkage, or a rear linkage.
 5. A retaining device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for a permanent closure of the cover.
 6. A retaining device according to claim 5, wherein: the permanent closure means comprises a stitched seam.
 7. A retaining device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for non-permanent closure of the cover.
 8. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the cover substantially covers the part completely.
 9. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the cover comprises a material having a high coefficient of friction.
 10. A retaining device according to claim 1, further comprising: a base, a lateral flange, a medial flange, a rear support element, and first and second linkages. 